2006 1801 Questions

[Scottp3]

Have posted a few times and really appreciate the feedback - it has been very helpful. Have a few more questions:

1: Livewell...how do I fill the darn thing? Assume it gravity drains?

2: Hull Cleaning...is there any particular soap or formula I should be using to clean the boat. It is used in the southern Ches Bay near Mathews, VA so it's a very salty environement. Also, there is some darker discoloration around the gas fill hole..any way to clean that up?

3: Gas...is there any way to digitally show how many gallons of fuel are left in the tank? I have reset the lower screen on the console to show me how many gallons I have used since I put a certain amount of fuel in the tank but would love to have a digital readout of gallons remaining. I have the "bar graph" that shows the tank to be full or near full (maybe one bar removed) but I can't believve that to be accurate based on the fuel I put in and the amount of time I've run the boat.

4: Aluminum and chrome cleaning...and recommendations on cleaning my T-top and other metal parts (rod holders and rails)? I've been wiping them with a dry rag but after two months they seem to be soptting up and becomign discolored.

New boat owner...and sure some of these questions are sure to make you laugh! Appreciate any help you can offer.

Will post pics soon - had a new 5x7 T Top put on it and it looks awesome!

Thanks

Scott

 

[Megabyte]

1.) Livewell
I don't have one, but I've seen photos here of other members who do.
If it is a factory install, there should be a through-hull with a gate valve similar to the one in the photo below.

That one is for a raw water washdown, but the concept is similar, except that the livewell will have a pump on top of it that looks very similar to a bilge pump, and is controlled by a swith at your helm.

Hopefully someone who has a factory live well can help better than I can.

2.) Cleaning
I use ordinary boat soap and/or Orange Zep cleaner (from Home Depot).
If the deck is stained, I'll also toss in about a quart of bargain brand bleach to assist in brightening it up. Scrub her down, rinse lightly, and let the sun work with the bleach to whiten everything. :wink:

The stain around the fuel fill might be from spilled StaBil. The same soap/bleach solution outlined above will eventually remove that stain too.

Same for the aluminum and stainless. After a wash and rinse, wipe the bright work down with an old bath towel and you'll be good to go.

3. Gas
Best recommendation I can give here is to either install the Yamaha fuel computer, or an aftermarket unit (that is how I went).
Very simple. Used a 2" hole saw for the helm unit, then cut the fuel line and install the transducer (photo below).

The helm unit is the round item just below the two Yamaha gages.

This one is a few years old, so there are probably newer and more capable units out there.
Mine gives indications for fuel left in the tank, fuel used, gallons per hour being burned, and it has a low fuel alarm that you set to whatever you want.

Looking forward to your photos!

 

[Keauhou]

Keep in mind that if you keep the valve in the open position without turning on the livewell pump, you'll still get water circulation into your tank while the boat is underway. The water pick up is located under the boat and water pressure will force circulate the system. I usually turn off the bilge valve if I'm running and not using the bait tank. Congrats on your new purchase, you'll really enjoy her....Ken

 

[Croixboy]

Scott, Regarding cleaning products I've found that Orpine Boat Soap is one of the best out there. It's expensive, but works great. removes salt dirt and mildew very well.
For stains, I have yet to find a stain on the deck or hull that Barkeepers Friend can't remove. You can get it at Lowes or Home Depot, in the cleaners isle, for $1.99 or so. Just sprinkle some on a wet rag and rub so it turns to paste, and wipe the stain away.
For metal cleaning & protection I use Fluid Film. It comes in containers up to 1 Gallon and found at your local tractor supply store. I put it on all of my stainless and "paint" my trailer with it each season. Google it .. If it's good enough for Navy ships it's good enough for me.

 

[Megabyte]

For metal cleaning & protection I use Fluid Film. It comes in containers up to 1 Gallon and found at your local tractor supply store. I put it on all of my stainless and "paint" my trailer with it each season. Google it .. If it's good enough for Navy ships it's good enough for me.

Capt Deering swears by Fluid Film too. I need to give it a try. 8)

 

[mildew2]

I have a 2008 ..1801 with a factory livewell.. To drain the livewell completely you have to pull up the pvc pipe in the middle of the well then it will fully drain. I usually keep the ball valve open on mine because I also have a raw water wash hooked in above it. So it does fill with water while cruising but pulling the pvc pipe in the middle will drain it when you stop very quickly. Or possiably just leaving the pipe out will cause it to drain automaticly when stopped. I had my 1801 in the Del. bay today in 2 to 3 footers with a 15 to 20 mh wind. It handled the chop well at 15 mph. but I wouldn't want to chance any worse conditions. Good luck with your 1801 it is a strong little rig and great to fish out of.
As far as the fuel guage mine has the new square guages and it shows full most of the time also. I usually check it when I'm up on plain in calm seas it will read accurately then.. There is no guage on top of the tank as I had in my 2520..Something Parker should include,but doesn't

 

[Whalen]

I have a 2006 1801 with a live well, and all the above advice is spot on. I just close the valve until needed. Bar keepers friend is a must. all good Input from the other wise members. I love my 1801, perfect for me. My only problem is as yours, never know how much fuel is really in there. I have tried logs and other methods, all I am sure about is that I am never sure exaclty how much is really in there. Second season on the boat now, I do not miss my Whaler at all!!!

 

[Scottp3]

Thanks all! Great advice and have already removed the stain and coated the stainless as suggested! Keeping logs for the fuel...guess that is the only way to surely know about the amount left in the tank!

Again, many thanks guys! I am loving my new Parker!

Scott

 

[Happy Dawg]

I have a 21se that has the fuel bars to represent how much gas is supposedly burned. Like your issue, they don't compare, at all, as to how much gas has been used. The way I know exactly how much gas I have used is to fill my boat up all the way and then reset the fuel burn gauge (as I think you stated you have). This has been very accurate on my boat. If you happen to put more fuel in it, but not fill it up, just subtract those gallon added to the ones that have been burned.